Program Manager Contract Jobs in Newport, MN (NOW HIRING)

Location 

Hybrid – 2-3 days/week in our Minneapolis office, on site

 Join Our Dynamic Large Commercial Buildings Team

We are looking for a resourceful and relationship-driven Large Commercial Program Manager to lead our Large Commercial Buildings team, which provides commercial building owners and operators with technical energy assessments and support to identify cost-effective energy efficiency and electrification opportunities. This position combines day-to-day program management and process ownership with strategic responsibility for utility and stakeholder relationships, and for identifying new business opportunities that grow the impact of CEE's engineering team.

CEE's Large Commercial Buildings team pairs building owners and facility staff with CEE engineers to identify and review energy and cost savings opportunities across HVAC, lighting, controls, envelope, and operations, and then provides the roadmap and support needed to implement carbon and energy savings projects, helping commercial buildings reduce energy use and meet local, state, and utility energy goals. This role will report to the Senior Director of Commercial Programs.

Who We Are 

Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is a clean energy nonprofit with offices in North Loop of Minneapolis and Roseville, MN. We provide practical energy solutions for homes, businesses, and communities to cut energy waste and harmful emissions. We collaborate regularly with field peers and partners, and we employ curious people who enjoy learning and contributing to the Midwest’s quality of life and economy. Recognized as one of Minnesota's top 200 workplaces by the Star Tribune, CEE is known for its open communication, respect for diverse perspectives, and commitment to work-life balance.

What We Offer 

• Insurance Coverage Options: To ensure you and your family are well protected, we have got you covered with Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Health Saving Account, and Flexible Spending Accounts. Please see our 2026 Benefit Summary.

• Impact: We want to make the world a better and more energy efficient place. Our work and the decisions we make are rooted in this foundational desire. 

• Future Planning: To help you secure your financial future, benefit from our retirement saving program. Reach your goal sooner with our immediate vesting and company contribution.  

• Work/Life Balance: We recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and are dedicated to supporting our team members in various aspects of their lives. Our benefits include generous Paid Time Off (PTO), paid parental leave, and salary continuation for major medical events, ensuring that you have the support you need during significant life moments and personal challenges.   

• Holidays: Our company provides nine paid holidays each year, offering you ample time to observe important occasions and enjoy personal time. 

• Growth: We want everyone to grow and learn within their roles. We offer professional development opportunities and education assistance. 

• Championing DEI: Our committed DEI Committee promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment by establishing clear goals and assessing progress throughout the organization. 
  

What You’ll Do 

Program Management and Process Improvement

• Own end-to-end delivery of the Building Assessment program (the hallmark program of the Large Commercial Building team) by:
• Ensuring assessments are scheduled, delivered, and reported on time and to a consistently high standard of quality
• Owning the program's processes and workflows, from building recruitment and intake through assessment delivery, reporting, and follow-up, and driving continuous process improvement based on data, staff input, and customer feedback
• Developing and maintaining program documentation, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance protocols for assessment delivery and reporting
• Tracking and analyzing program performance data (e.g., participation, savings, timelines) using internal tracking/CRM systems, and using findings to inform program strategy
• Coordinating with data analytics and evaluation staff to ensure accurate savings calculations, reporting, and program documentation
• Other duties as assigned or apparent

Program Goals and Metrics

• Accountable for meeting program participation, building recruitment, and energy savings goals as defined by utility contracts, grant agreements, or internal targets
• Develop and monitor progress toward program metrics and key performance indicators, and proactively identify and address risks to achieving program goals
• Prepare regular progress and outcome reports for CEE leadership, utility partners, and other funders
• Manage program budget and track spending against approved program budgets
• Other duties as assigned or apparent

Stakeholder and Utility Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for utility partners and program funders, managing relationships, contract compliance, and reporting requirements for the BA program
• Build and maintain relationships with commercial building owners, property managers, trade allies, brokers, and industry associations to drive program awareness and recruit buildings into the program
• Represent CEE at industry conferences, utility program meetings, and stakeholder events related to commercial building energy efficiency
• Coordinate with other CEE program and business development staff to ensure consistent and coordinated experience for shared customers and utility partners
• Other duties as assigned or apparent

Internal Collaboration and Organizational Leadership

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships across CEE's Commercial Department to leverage shared customer relationships, utility partnerships, and technical expertise.
• Partner with other commercial program teams to coordinate recruitment, project development, customer engagement, and implementation activities.
• Establish processes and communication channels that enable effective cross-functional collaboration and maximize program performance.
• Other duties as assigned or apparent

Business Development

• Investigate and evaluate additional business opportunities for CEE's engineering team, including new utility contracts, expanded service lines, and responses to relevant Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
• Collaborate with Program and Business Development staff to scope, develop, and pitch new commercial energy efficiency service opportunities that build on the BA program's capabilities
• Oversee the development and implementation of new pilot programs, to test out innovative or new approaches to deliver energy efficiency services
• Monitor commercial energy efficiency policy, utility program, and market trends relevant to expanding CEE's engineering services
• Other duties as assigned or apparent

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise and mentor staff supporting the BA program, including assigning workload, providing feedback, and supporting professional development
• Partner closely with engineers and other technical staff to ensure assessment quality and technical accuracy, and to translate technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for building owners and utility partners
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented team culture between program staff and technical/engineering staff
• Other duties as assigned or apparent

 Skills & Knowledge We’re Looking For  

• Direct familiarity and experience with commercial energy efficiency programs; experience with commercial building energy assessments, audits, or benchmarking (e.g., ASHRAE Level I/II/III audits, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager)
• Demonstrated experience working with engineers or other technical staff, and translating technical findings for non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated experience managing utility, funder, or other external partner relationships, including contract compliance and reporting
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple work streams and competing deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience presenting to external stakeholders
• Working knowledge of commercial building systems (HVAC, lighting, controls, building envelope) preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required; experience with CRM or program tracking databases preferred
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, solve problems independently, and drive process improvements

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, environmental science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• At least 5 years of experience managing programs in commercial energy efficiency, sustainability, utility program implementation, or a related field
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience managing staff, including performance management and professional development

Compensation 

Dependent on qualifications and experience, we expect the pay range upon hire for this position will be $105,000 - $115,000 annually.